An American national, who was held on Friday for allegedly molesting a 14-year-old boy at a five-star hotel in Kolkata, was remanded in police custody on Saturday, said reports.
The 51-year-old, identified as Leslie Allen Powell, will be produced before Barasat Special Court on Monday.
Powell was arrested after the management of Hyatt Regency Hotel filed a complaint based on the victim's statement.
The teenager, who befriended the accused through social media, was gifted a pair of football boots, sports bag and was even promised a bicycle.
The security personnel of the hotel had interrogated Powell after he turned up with the minor boy. The duo was later allowed to enter after they were convinced.
"Hotel officials said Powel claimed he was suffering from a dental problem and the boy and his family were helping him to find a doctor. He also showed a few documents," the Hindustan Times quoted an investigating official as saying.
However, the hotel management grew suspicious when the boy appeared nervous after coming out. The manager took the boy to a separate room to question him.
"On reaching the room, he (Powell) asked the boy to perform a sexual act and used force when the victim resisted. He then paid the boy Rs 100 and asked him not to disclose the matter," a police officer told HT.
The police are also checking CCTV footage of the hotel. The US Embassy in Kolkata has also been informed about the incident, reports said.
